Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02770542 2012-03-06
UTILITY PATENT APPLICATION
Attorney Docket No. 201102523 (101.0437.001)
DISPLAY TABLE WITH LIGHT DRAWER
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[00011 Products are displayed in a variety of manners in retail environments.
To enhance
the display of smaller products, such as jewelry, display tables are used. The
display tables
can be used for drawing attention to the product. For example, the display
tables can be
decorated in an aesthetically pleasing manner to attract a customer to the
display table. In
other cases, the product can be placed alongside conspicuous indicia or
signage. Display
tables can also be used for displaying the product with other merchandise to
increase sales.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[00021 One aspect of the present invention relates to a display table
including a drawer
section, a main drawer, an internal light drawer, and an upper section. The
drawer section
includes two opposing sidewalls partially defining a drawer compartment and a
main
opening. The main drawer, disposed within the drawer compartment, slidably
mounts to the
two opposing sidewalls and includes an exposed front panel for concealing the
main
opening. The internal light drawer is disposed above the main drawer and
slidably couples
to the two opposing sidewalls. The upper section is disposed over the drawer
section to
receive light when the internal light drawer is illuminated. When the main
drawer is in an
open position, the internal light drawer is movable relative to the main
drawer. When the
main drawer is in a closed position, the internal light drawer is concealed by
the front panel.
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Attorney Docket No. 201102523 (101.0437.U01)
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[00031 Embodiments of the invention will be described with respect to the
figures, in
which like reference numerals denote like elements, and in which:
[00041 Figure 1 is a front, perspective view illustration of a display table,
display stands,
and product, according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[00051 Figure 2 is a rear, perspective view illustration of the display table
of Figure 1,
according to one embodiment of the present invention.
100061 Figure 3 is a front view illustration of a display table of Figure 1,
according to one
embodiment of the present invention.
[00071 Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view illustration of the display table of
Figure 3 taken
along line 4-4, according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[00081 Figure 5 is a top, perspective view illustration of a base of the
display table of
Figure 2, according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[00091 Figure 6 is a bottom, perspective view of the base of Figure 5,
according to one
embodiment of the present invention.
[00101 Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view illustration of the display table of
Figure 4 taken
along line 7-7, according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[00111 Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view illustration of Figure 4 taken along
line 8-8,
according to one embodiment of the present invention.
100121 Figure 9 is a perspective view illustration of an internal light drawer
of Figure 8,
according to one embodiment of the present invention.
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Attorney Docket No. 201102523 (101.0437.U01)
[0013] Figure 10 is a bottom view illustration of a drawer compartment of the
display
table of Figure 4, according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0014] Figure 11 close-up view illustration of the bottom of the drawer
compartment of
Figure 4 taken along section 11, according to one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0015] Figure 12 is a front, perspective view illustration of a wire manager,
according to
one embodiment of the present invention.
[0016] Figure 13 is an exploded view illustration of an upper section of the
display table,
according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0017] Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view illustration of a bottom rail of
the upper section
of the display table of Figure 13 taken along line 14-14, according to one
embodiment of the
present invention.
[0018] Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view illustration of a top rail of the
upper section of
the display table of Figure 13 taken along line 15-15, according to one
embodiment of the
present invention.
[0019] Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view illustration of the display table
of Figure 3 taken
along line 4-4 with a main drawer and an internal light drawer in an open
position,
according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0020] Figure 17 is the cross-sectional view illustration of Figure 16 with
the main drawer
in an open position and the internal light drawer in a closed position,
according to one
embodiment of the present invention.
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UTILITY PATENT APPLICATION
Attorney Docket No. 201102523 (101.0437.U01)
[00211 Figure 18 is the cross-sectional view illustration of Figure 16 with
the main drawer
in an open position and the internal light drawer in a partially open
position, according to
one embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
100221 The following detailed description of the invention provides examples
and is not
intended to limit the invention or the application and uses of the invention.
Furthermore,
there is no intention to be bound by any theory presented in the preceding
background of the
invention or the following detailed description of the invention.
[00231 A display table is provided for displaying product in an aesthetically
pleasing, eye-
catching manner. In one example, the display table includes an upper box that
illuminates to
provide additional light to draw attention to products on the display table.
To maintain a
visually appealing design, light components are disposed in an internal light
drawer beneath
the upper box. The internal light drawer is disposed over a main drawer for
product and/or
other storage, and both drawers are disposed behind a front panel to be hidden
from view
during product display. In addition, the internal light drawer can be
manipulated
independently from the main drawer to allow easy access to the lights during
maintenance
periods.
100241 In particular, according to an embodiment, a display table includes a
drawer
section, a main drawer, an internal light drawer, and an upper section. The
drawer section
includes two opposing sidewalls partially defining a drawer compartment and a
main
opening. The main drawer, disposed within the drawer compartment, slidably
mounts to the
two opposing sidewalls and includes an exposed front panel for concealing the
main
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Attorney Docket No. 201102523 (101.0437.00 1)
opening. The internal light drawer is disposed above the main drawer and
slidably couples
to the two opposing sidewalls. The upper section is disposed over the drawer
section to
receive light when the internal light drawer is illuminated. When the main
drawer is in an
open position, the internal light drawer is movable relative to the main
drawer. When the
main drawer is in a closed position, the internal light drawer is concealed by
the front panel.
[00251 Figures 1-4 provide various views of an embodiment of a display table
10. Display
table 10 is configured to provide illumination and to serve as a surface for
displaying
product 12 (Figure 1). In an embodiment, display table 10 includes a platform
or base 14,
an intermediate section or drawer section 16, and an upper section 18. Drawer
section 16 is
disposed over base 14, and upper section 18 is disposed over drawer section
16. In an
embodiment, upper section 18 has a top surface 20 for placement of product 12.
[00261 In one embodiment, to support drawer section 16 and upper section 18,
base 14
comprises a support frame 22 and legs 24, 26, 28, and 30. Legs 24, 26, 28, and
30 extend
from support frame 22 and elevate drawer section 16 a desired distance off the
floor. With
additional reference to Figures 5 and 6, support frame 22 has two opposing
side rails 21 and
23, a front rail 25, and a back rail 27. Each of the two opposing side rails
21 and 23 extend
between front rail 25 and back rail 27. In one example, rails 21, 23, 25, and
27 are arranged
in a rectangle. Rails 21, 23, 25, and 27 define interior dimensions comprising
an interior
length (measured from an interior edge 31 of front rail 25 to an interior edge
33 of back rail
27) and an interior width (measured between interior edges 35 and 37 of
opposing side rails
21 and 23, respectively) that are less than dimensions of a bottom surface 34
of drawer
section 16. In this way, support frame 22 supports drawer section 16 on rails
21, 23, 25, and
27.
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UTILITY PATENT APPLICATION
Attorney Docket No. 201102523 (101.0437.001)
[00271 In one embodiment, rails 21, 23, 25, and 27 are arranged in a shape
other than
rectangular. Other suitable shapes include, but are not limited to ovular,
circular, square,
triangular, or another polygonal shape. Accordingly, more or fewer rails 21,
23, 25, and 27
are included as parts of support frame 22 depending on a desired support frame
shape.
Alternatively, support frame 22 does not include rails and, rather, comprises
a planar
structure (not illustrated). In such case, legs 24, 26, 28, and 30 extend from
the planar
support frame and are positioned to suitably support drawer section 16 and
upper light
section 18, and the planar support frame can have a length and width that is
either greater or
less than that of bottom surface 34 of drawer section 16.
[00281 With additional reference to Figures 5 and 6, in one embodiment, to
secure drawer
section 16 to base 14, support frame 22 includes openings 43 formed in one or
more rails 21,
23, 25, and 27. Openings 43 have threaded sidewalls for receiving fasteners,
such as screws
and the like, in an embodiment. In other embodiments, openings 43 receive
bolts for bolting
drawer section 16 to support frame 22.
[00291 Base 14 is formed of a material that provides structural integrity when
supporting
drawer section 16 and upper section 18. Suitable materials include, but are
not limited to
metals, such as aluminum, steel and the like, wood, plastic, and any other
sturdy materials.
Although base 14 is depicted as being formed as a single component (e.g., legs
24, 26, 28,
and 30 and support frame 22 are formed of a single material), support frame 22
and legs 24,
26, 28, and 30 are formed as separate components in other embodiments. For
example,
support frame 22 is formed of wood or plastic, and legs 24, 26, 28, and 30 are
formed of
metal.
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UTILITY PATENT APPLICATION
Attorney Docket No. 201102523 (101.0437.U01)
[00301 To improve stability of base 14, in one embodiment, each leg 24, 26,
28, and 30
includes a leg leveler 36, 38, and 91 (leveler for leg 30 is not shown). Each
leg leveler 36,
38, and 40 has a stem that extends from a flat head. Each stem is inserted
into a pre-drilled
opening 45, 47, 49, and 51 in a corresponding leg 24, 26, 28, and 30. By
adjusting a depth
that each stem extends into a respective leg 24, 26, 28, and 30, the distance
between the
floor and base 14 can be adjusted.
[00311 With reference now to Figures 4 and 7, drawer section 16 includes a
drawer
compartment 44, a storage drawer or main drawer 46, and a light access drawer
or internal
drawer 48. Drawer compartment 44 encloses main drawer 46 and internal light
drawer 48 to
hide both drawers 46 and 48 from view when both are in a closed position as
illustrated in
Figure 4. Drawer compartment 44 includes a main or front opening 85 (shown in
Figures
16-18) and is defined by a bottom wall 50, opposing sidewalls 52 and 54, and
back sidewall
56. Front opening 85 provides access to main drawer 46 and internal light
drawer 48.
Opposing sidewalls 52 and 54 and back sidewall 56 extend upwardly from bottom
wall 50.
Bottom wall 50 and sidewalls 52, 54, and 56 are molded as a single unit, in an
embodiment.
In another embodiment, bottom wall 50 and sidewalls 52, 54, and 56 are each
separate
panels that are assembled and held together with fasteners or adhesives.
Bottom wall 50 and
sidewalls 52, 54, and 56 are made from particle board, wood, plastic, or any
other materials
suitable for forming drawer compartment 44.
[00321 Main drawer 46 includes a bottom wall 58, two opposing sidewalls 60 and
62, a
front wall 64, and a back wall 66. Bottom wall 58 defines a bottom surface of
main drawer
46, and two opposing sidewalls 60 and 62, a front wall 64, and a back wall 66
extending
upwardly from bottom wall 58 define a storage area 63 for product 12 and/or
supplies.
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UTILITY PATENT APPLICATION
Attorney Docket No. 201102523 (101.0437.U0 I)
According to an embodiment, a separate exposed front panel 68 attaches to
front wall 58 by,
for example, fasteners or adhesive.
100331 To substantially conceal main drawer 46 from view, exposed front panel
68 (or
front wall 64, if front panel 68 is omitted) substantially covers front
opening 85. In one
example, exposed front panel 68 (or front wall 64) has dimensions that are
larger than the
dimensions of front opening 85 to entirely cover front opening 85.
Alternatively, front
panel 68 (or front wall 64) is substantially the same size as front opening
85. Front panel 68
(or front wall 64) can also have a shape that is substantially similar to that
of front opening
35. In one example, front opening 85 is substantially rectangular and, hence,
front panel 68
is substantially rectangular. In an embodiment in which front panel 68 (or
front wall 64) is
larger than front opening 85, front opening 85 and front panel 68 (or front
wall 64) may be
different in shape. For instance, front opening 85 can be substantially
rectangular and front
panel 68 can have an oval shape.
[00341 As alluded to above, main drawer 46 is movable between a closed
position and
various open positions. In this regard, main drawer 46 includes railing sets
each having
glides 70 and 72 and railings 74 and 76. In one embodiment, glides 70 and 72
attach to
opposing sidewalls 60 and 62 and are slidably coupled to corresponding
railings 74 are 76
attached to interior surfaces of drawer compartment sidewalls 52 are 54.
Suitable types of
glide/railing sets 70, 72, 74, and 76 include ball bearing railings, linear
slide rails, rack slide
rails, and the like. To prevent main drawer 46 from hyperextending,
glide/railing sets 70,
72, 74, and 76 include mechanisms that lock when the railings are fully
extended.
100351 In one embodiment, drawer compartment 44 includes a stop mechanism 78
to
obstruct movement of the main drawer 46 and to maintain a gap 80 between back
wall 58 of
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UTILITY PATENT APPLICATION
Attorney Docket No. 201102523 (101.0437.001)
main drawer 46 and back wall 56 of drawer compartment 44. A width of gap 80
measured
between back wall 68 and back wall 56 ranges from a few millimeters to a few
centimeters.
Stop mechanism 78 couples to and extends upwardly from bottom wall 50 of
drawer
compartment 44 (as illustrated in Figure 5), in an embodiment. In another
embodiment, stop
mechanism 78 couples to back wall 66 of main drawer 46 and extends toward back
wall 56
of drawer component 34. In still another embodiment, stop mechanism 78 extends
toward
front opening 85 from back wall 56 of drawer component 34. Stop mechanism 78
can
comprise one or more plates, rods, and the like.
100361 To provide an improved grip surface when a user opens main drawer 46,
front
panel 68 includes a drawer pull 69. In one example, drawer pull 69 is disposed
substantially
on a top half of front panel 68 for convenience to the user. Drawer pull 69
can be friction fit
inside of or adhered to walls forming a cavity area in an exterior surface of
front panel 68.
Alternatively, drawer pull 69 comprises a knob, flange, or other projection
that attaches to
front panel 68 to provide a grip surface to user.
[00371 In one embodiment, front panel 68 includes a lock 73, as illustrated,
for instance, in
Figure 4, for securing product 12 and/or other items within main drawer 46.
Lock 73
includes a barrel 75, a locking mechanism 77, and a mating surface or mating
mechanism
81. Barrel 75 extends through front panel 68 and includes a keyhole 71 exposed
on an
exterior surface of front panel 68. Locking mechanism 77 extends from an
interior surface
of front panel 68 into drawer compartment 44. Mating mechanism 81 is mounted
to internal
light drawer 48. In an embodiment, when a corresponding key is inserted into
keyhole 71,
locking mechanism 77 engages with mating mechanism 81. In this way, storage
area 63 can
remain inaccessible even when main drawer 46 is pulled out to an open
position.
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UTILITY PATENT APPLICATION
Attorney Docket No. 201102523 (101.0437.U01)
[00381 Referring now to Figures 4, 8, and 9, internal light drawer 48 includes
a bottom
panel 82, two opposing sidewalls 84 and 86, a front wall 88, and a back wall
90. Bottom
panel 82 is substantially planar, and sidewalls 84 and 86 and walls 88 and 90
extend from
bottom panel 82 to form an open top and a shallow, open cavity for containing
light fixtures
92 and 94. Bottom panel 82 is depicted as substantially rectangular in Figures
8 and 9. In
other embodiments, bottom panel 82 has a different shape.
[00391 To accommodate internal light drawer 48 within main drawer 46, each of
a total
height of sidewall 84 of internal light drawer 48 and sidewall 60 of main
drawer 46 and a
total height of sidewall 86 of internal light drawer 48 and sidewall 62 of
main drawer 46 is
less than a height of front opening 85. In this way, both main drawer 46 and
internal light
drawer 48 can be simultaneously pulled out from drawer compartment 44 if
desired.
Although sidewalls 84 and 86 of internal light drawer 48 are depicted as being
shorter in
height than sidewalls 60 and 62 of main drawer 46, relative heights of the
sidewalls 60, 62,
84, and 86 depend on a desired depth for internal light drawer 48 and/or main
drawer, 46.
For instance, in embodiments in which a deeper internal light drawer 48 is
desired, sidewalls
84 and 86 may be taller than sidewalls 60 and 62. Regardless, a top edge of
front wall 88 of
internal light drawer 48 extends below a topmost edge of front panel 68 to
conceal internal
light drawer 48 when main drawer 46 is closed.
[00401 Internal light drawer 48 is configured to be capable of being pulled at
least partially
out of drawer compartment 44 when main drawer 46 is in one of its various open
positions.
In this regard, internal light drawer 48 includes railing sets each having
glides 100 and 102
and railings 104 and 106. The glides 100 and 102 can be attached to opposing
sidewalls 84
and 86 at positions above glides 70 and 72 and can be slidably coupled to
corresponding
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UTILITY PATENT APPLICATION
Attorney Docket No. 201102523 (101.0437.U01)
railings 104 and 106 attached to interior surfaces of drawer compartment
sidewalls 52 and
54 above railings 74 and 76. Suitable types of glide/railing sets 100, 102,
104, and 106
include ball bearing railings, linear slide rails, rack slide rails, and the
like.
[00411 When main drawer 46 is fully extended, internal light drawer 48 can
move between
a retracted (i.e., closed) position and various extended (i.e., open)
positions. To prevent
hyperextension of internal light drawer 48, glide/railing sets 100, 102, 104,
and 106 include
locking mechanisms. Additionally, in one example, a stop mechanism 108 is
included in the
drawer compartment 44 to maintain a gap 96 between back wall 90 and back
sidewall 56 to
obstruct movement of the internal light 48 within main compartment 44. For
example, stop
mechanism 108 extends from bottom wall 50 of drawer compartment 44. In one
embodiment, stop mechanism 108 extends from back wall 90 of internal light
drawer 48
toward back sidewall 56 of drawer compartment 44. In another example, stop
mechanism
108 couples to and extends from back sidewall 56 of drawer compartment 44
toward back
wall 90 of internal light drawer 48. Stop mechanism 108 can comprise one or
more plates,
rods, and the like.
100421 To improve a user's grip on internal light drawer 48, front wall 88 of
internal light
drawer 48 includes a cutout 110. Although cutout 110 is depicted as extending
downwardly
into front wall 88 from a top edge 112 of front wall 88, cutout 110
alternatively can be
formed as an opening through front wall 88. For ease of manufacture, back wall
90 can also
or alternatively include cutout 110 as well.
[00431 In one embodiment, light fixtures or lighting fixtures 92 and 94 attach
to one or
more of bottom panel 82 and sidewalls 84, 86, 88, and 90. Light fixtures 92
and 94 include
one or more components suitable for providing illumination, including but not
limited to
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UTILITY PATENT APPLICATION
Attorney Docket No. 201102523 (101.0437.00 1)
fluorescent light bulbs, light emitting diodes (LEDs), light strips, and the
like. Depending
on a particular configuration, light fixtures 92 and 94 can extend from front
wall 88 of
internal light drawer 48 to back wall 90. For example, a fluorescent light
bulb comprising a
tube extends between front and back walls 88 and 90 (as illustrated in Figures
11 and 12) or
between sidewalls 84 and 86. In another example, LEDs, which comprise a string
of lights,
extend from front wall 88 to back wall 90 or between sidewalls 84 and 86.
Alternatively,
light fixtures 92 and 94 extend from one or more walls 84, 86, 88, and 90 to
another one or
more of walls 84, 86, 88, and 90 or along any of the walls. Light fixtures 92
and 94
preferably are spaced apart from each other to optimize distribution of the
light. Although
two light fixtures are shown, fewer or more light fixtures can be included in
other
embodiments.
100441 An electrical conduit 98 extends under and between light fixtures 92
and 94 to
guide wires to an opening (not shown) formed in bottom panel 82 of internal
light drawer
48. In one embodiment, electrical conduit 98 is formed from one or more tubes
comprising
insulated material and the like. The wires can run through the bottom panel
opening (not
illustrated) and into gap 96 between back wall 90 of internal light drawer 48
and back
sidewall 56 of drawer compartment 44. In an embodiment, gap 96 is smaller than
gap 80.
In other embodiments, gap 96 is substantially equal to or larger than gap 80.
In one
example, wire extends from gap 96 to gap 80 and into wire managers 51.
[00451 In one embodiment, display table 10 includes various features to
conceal wires
within display table 10. In one example, returning to Figures 5 and 6, support
frame 22 is
configured to provide openings for running wires under drawer section 16. In
this regard,
support frame 22 includes notches 39 and 41 formed on interior edges 31, 33,
35, and 37 of
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Attorney Docket No. 201102523 (101.0437.U01)
one or more of rails 21, 23, 25, and 27. For example, notches 39 and 41 are
formed one
each on opposing side rails 21 and 23. In another example, notches 39 and 41
are each
formed on front rail 25 and back rail 27. In another embodiment, notches 39
and 41 are
formed on a single rail 21, 23, 25, and 27. Although the figures show two
notches 39 and
41, more or fewer are included in other embodiments. Additionally, although
notches 39
and 41 are depicted as each having a generally rectangular outline, one or
both notches 39
and 41, alternatively, have a different outline, such as semi-circular, semi-
ovular, and the
like, and/or are configured differently from each other.
[00461 With reference to Figures 4 and 10-12, bottom wall 50 conceals wires
from internal
light drawer 48 to improve visual appearance of display table 10. In one
example, bottom
wall 50 includes one or more wire managers 51 and a flange 53 mounted to a
bottom surface
34 of bottom wall 50. Wire managers 51 extend at least partially across bottom
surface 34
of bottom wall 50. For example, as illustrated in Figures 8 and 9, one end of
a wire manager
51 aligns with a first notch 39 in support frame 22, while an end of another
wire manager 51
aligns with a second notch 41 in support frame 22. Although two wire managers
51 are
illustrated, fewer or more than two wire managers 51 are included in alternate
embodiments.
[00471 Each wire manager 51 has an attachment panel 55 that attaches wire
manager 51 to
a desired surface such as bottom surface 34 of bottom wall 50. Attachment
panel 55 can be
nailed, tacked, pinned, adhered, or otherwise secured to the desired surface.
An extension
portion 57 extends along a length of attachment panel 55 and maintains wires
in the wire
manager 51. As illustrated in Figure 12, extension portion 57 has a J-shaped
side cross-
section providing an opening for access to the wires. In other embodiments,
wire manager
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Attorney Docket No. 201102523 (101.0437.U01)
51 comprises a different type of managing mechanism, including, but not
limited to a basic
race wire manager, flexible tube, extruded grommet, brush strip, and the like.
[00481 Flange 53 is disposed between two wire managers 51 to receive wires
from one or
both managers 51. Flange 53 organizes an extra length of the wires and allows
the wires to
extend and retract as desired by a user. In this regard, as illustrated with
additional
reference to Figure 11, flange 53 comprises a spool 59 around which the
additional length of
the wire is wound. Flange 53 also includes a spring mechanism 61 for
retracting the
additional length onto spool 59 as desired.
[00491 With reference to Figures 4 and 13, upper section 18 is configured to
be
illuminated by light from internal light drawer 48 and to provide a surface on
which product
12 is displayed. In this regard, upper section 18 has an open bottom and is
disposed over
and receives light from internal light drawer 48. Consequently, upper section
18 is set over
and supported by drawer section 44.
100501 In an embodiment, upper section 18 includes a modular frame 114,
translucent
sidewalls 111, 113, 115, and 117, and a top planar assembly 118. Modular frame
114
provides structure to upper section 18 and comprises a material for providing
structural
integrity for display table 10. Suitable materials include, but are not
limited to, metal, such
as steel, aluminum, and the like, plastic, or any other material. In an
embodiment, modular
frame 114 is formed from a single piece of material. In another embodiment,
components of
modular frame 114 are welded or otherwise coupled to one another to form a
unitary
structure.
[00511 Modular frame 114 includes a bottom rail 122, a top rail 124, and side
rails 126,
128, 130, and 132. Bottom rail 122 is disposed below top rail 124, and remains
open toward
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Attorney Docket No. 201102523 (101.0437.00 1)
internal light drawer 48 to allow light therefrom to illuminate translucent
sidewalls 111, 113,
115, and 117. Side rails 126, 128, 130, and 132 extend from bottom rail 122 to
top rail 124.
According to an embodiment, such as that illustrated in Figure 13, bottom and
top rails 122
and 124 are rectangular, and side rails 126, 128, 130, and 132 each extend
from one corner
134, 136, 138, and 140 of bottom rail 122 to a corresponding corner 142, 144,
146, and 148
of top rail 124. In other embodiments, one or both of bottom and top rails 122
and 124 has a
different shape, such as ovular, circular, square, triangular, or another
polygonal shape. In
such case, more or fewer side rails are employed to connect bottom rail 122 to
top rail 124.
100521 Translucent sidewalls 111, 113, 115, and 117 are made of acrylic,
plastic or another
material capable of allowing light to pass through. In an embodiment,
translucent sidewalls
111, 113, 115, and 117 are shaped to correspond with side openings formed by
bottom and
top rails 122 and 124 and side rails 126, 128, 130, and 132. Translucent
sidewalls 111, 113,
115, and 117 are substantially rectangular to cover the side openings. In
other
embodiments, translucent sidewalls 111, 113, 115, and 117 have a different
shape such as
circular, ovular, square, or another polygonal shape. In still other
embodiments, although
four translucent sidewalls 111, 113, 115, and 117 are depicted in Figure 13,
more or fewer
translucent sidewalls can be included depending on the shape of side openings
formed by
modular frame 114. Additionally, although translucent sidewalls 111 and 113
and
translucent sidewall 115 and 117 have different shapes and sizes, translucent
sidewalls 111,
113, 115, and 117 may be substantially equally sized, in other embodiments.
[00531 One or more of translucent sidewalls 111, 113, 115, and 117 are
generally a single
color or multiple colors, in an embodiment. Alternatively or additionally, one
or more of
translucent sidewall 111, 113, 115, and 117 include designs or indicia that
draw attention to
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Attorney Docket No. 201102523 (101.0437.U01)
display table 10. For example, one or more of translucent sidewalls 111, 113,
115, and 117
include brand indicia, indicia indicating a sale or clearance item, colorful
designs, patterns,
and/or the like.
[0054] Top planar assembly 118 includes a top support member or top planar
support
member 120 and a dust tray 122. Top planar support member 120 is substantially
rectangular and includes exposed, top surface 20, which as briefly mentioned
above, is
configured to provide a display surface for product 12. An outermost edge 107
of top planar
support member 120 includes a groove 109 that engages with modular frame 114
to
maintain top planar assembly 118 in position on top rail 124.
[0055] In one embodiment, top planar support member 120 is configured so that
light does
not directly illuminate product 12 displayed on display table 10. According to
an
embodiment, top planar support member 120 comprises an opaque material, in an
embodiment. With additional reference to Figures 1 and 4, apertures 121 are
formed
through top planar support member 120 for retaining display stands 123, 125,
127, 129, and
131. In an embodiment, apertures 121 each comprise an opening 133 and a
channel 135.
Opening 133 is formed at top surface 20 and extends a particular depth into
top planar
support member 120 that is less than a length of channel 135. In an
embodiment, opening
133 has a largest diameter that is larger than a largest diameter of channel
135. In this way,
display stands 123, 125, and 127 having insertion rods that can be partially
inserted into
channel 135 (e.g., display stands 123, 125, and 127 having insertion rods 137,
139, and 141
with square cross sections) or those having circular cross sections (e.g.,
display stands 129
and 131) that can be fully inserted into apertures 121 can be included on a
single display
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UTILITY PATENT APPLICATION
Attorney Docket No. 201102523 (101.0437.U01)
table. In other embodiments in which display stands having a single type of
insertion rod
are employed, opening 133 and channel 135 are substantially equal in largest
diameter.
[00561 In an embodiment, apertures 121 are evenly spaced across top planar
support
member 120. In an example, apertures 121 form rows and columns. Although five
rows
and seven columns are shown, more or fewer are included in other embodiments.
In another
embodiment, apertures 121 are arranged in a different pattern. For example,
apertures 121
can be disposed in concentric circle patterns, zigzag patterns, or form other
designs. In still
another embodiment, apertures 121 are formed randomly across top planar
support member
120.
[00571 In some configurations, some apertures 121 are not used for holding
display stands.
To prevent objects or particles from falling into internal light drawer 48,
dust tray 122 is
disposed beneath top planar support member 120, as illustrated in Figures 4
and 13. Dust
tray 122 has outer edge dimensions that do not extend beyond an outermost edge
107 of top
planar support member 120. Although shown as being generally rectangular, dust
tray 122
can have any other configuration that substantially covers apertures 121.
Regardless of
configuration, dust tray 122 is spaced apart from and coupled to a bottom
surface 143 of top
planar support member 120. According to an embodiment, attachment features 145
extend
downwardly from top planar support member 120, and dust tray 122 is attached
to
attachment features 145. In another embodiment, attachment features 145 extend
from dust
tray 122 and engage with mount features (not shown) that are disposed on
bottom surface of
top planar support member 120. In any case, dust tray 122 is preferably
selectively
detachable from top planar support member 120 so that when top planar assembly
118 is
removed from modular frame 114, objects and/or particles can be easily removed
by
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UTILITY PATENT APPLICATION
Attorney Docket No. 201102523 (101.0437.U01)
cleaning dust tray 122. In an example, attachment features 145 include a
sliding mechanism
that allows dust tray 122 to attach and detach from top planar support member
120. In
another example, attachment features 145 include another type of mounting
mechanism.
[00581 To maintain translucent sidewalls 111, 113, 115, and 117 in position,
various
retention features are included in modular frame 114. With additional
reference to Figures
14 and 15, for example, bottom rail 122 defines a substantially L-shaped
bottom shelf 123,
top rail 124 includes a sidewall-retaining gap 166, and side rails 126, 128,
130, and 132
define sidewall corners 167, 169, 171, and 173 (Figure 13). Bottom shelf 123
is formed
from a bottom planar portion 150 and a vertical portion 152 extending upwardly
from an
outermost edge 154 of bottom planar portion 150. Bottom planar portion 150 and
vertical
portion 152 are substantially equal in width (e.g., each measured from
outermost edge 154).
In another embodiment, bottom planar portion 150 and vertical portion 152 are
unequal in
width. Bottom planar portion 150 is disposed substantially perpendicular to
vertical portion
152, in an embodiment. In other embodiments, bottom planar portion 150 and
vertical
portion 152 are disposed at a substantially non-perpendicular angle relative
to each other.
[00591 Sidewall-retaining gap 166 is defined by a vertical portion 156 of top
rail 124, a top
lip 158, and a top planar portion 160 of top rail 124. Vertical portion 156,
which defines an
outermost edge 162 of top rail 124, a topmost edge 164 of top rail 124
extending from
outermost edge 162, and a lip wall 165 extending downwardly from topmost edge
164
define top lip 158 and sidewall-retaining gap 166. Vertical portion 156 and
lip wall 165 are
suitably dimensioned to provide space for an edge of one or more translucent
sidewalls 111,
113, 115, and 117 to be disposed therein when translucent sidewall 116 rests
on bottom
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UTILITY PATENT APPLICATION
Attorney Docket No. 201102523 (101.0437.00 1)
shelf 123. Accordingly, sidewall-retaining gap 166 is preferably greater than
a thickness of
translucent sidewall 116.
[00601 Returning to Figure 13, sidewall corners 167, 169, 171, and 173 each
have an L-
shaped cross section formed from a first side length 175, 177, 179, and 181
and a second
side length 183, 185, 187, and 189. First side lengths 175, 177, 179, and 181
extend from
second side length 183, 185, 187, and 189 and are disposed substantially
perpendicular
thereto, in an embodiment. In another embodiment, first side lengths 175, 177,
179, and 181
and a second side length 183, 185, 187, and 189 are disposed at a non-
substantially
perpendicular angle relative to each other.
[00611 By including the above-described retention features, the topmost edge
of each
translucent sidewall 111, 113, 115, and 117 is disposed in sidewall-retaining
gap 166, and
the bottommost edge of each translucent sidewall 111, 113, 115, and 117 rests
on bottom
shelf 123. Side edges of translucent sidewall 111 rest inside sidewall corners
167 and 169,
respectively, side edges of translucent sidewall 113 rest inside sidewall
corners 169 and 171,
respectively, side edges of translucent sidewall 115 rest inside sidewall
corners 171 and 173,
respectively, and side edges of translucent sidewall 117 rest inside sidewall
corners 173 and
169, respectively.
100621 Modular frame 114 also includes retention features for suspending top
planar
assembly 118 over drawer section 114. With additional reference to Figure 15,
in an
embodiment, outermost edge 107 of top planar support member 120 rests on a top
shelf 161
and dust tray 122 extends below top shelf 161. Top shelf 161 is formed by top
planar
portion 160, which extends inwardly from top lip 158. According to an
embodiment, top
planar portion 160 is disposed substantially perpendicular to lip wall 165. In
another
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UTILITY PATENT APPLICATION
Attorney Docket No. 201102523 (101.0437.001)
embodiment, top planar portion 160 is disposed at non-substantially
perpendicular angle
relative to lip wall 165. Depending on a desired depth of top shelf 161, in
one embodiment,
top planar portion 160 is wider than lip wall 165 (e.g., each length measured
from edge
168). In another embodiment, top planar portion 160 has substantially the same
width or is
thinner than lip wall 165.
[00631 To display product using display table 10, product 12 is placed on top
planar
support member 120, for example, by using one or more display stands 123, 125,
127, 129,
and 131. As shown in Figure 1, for example, one or more insertion rods 137,
139, and 141
of display stands 123, 125, 127, 129, and 131 are inserted into apertures 121
in top planar
support member 120. After display stands 123, 125, 127, 129, and 131 are
secured to
display table, product 12 may be hung from display stands. To draw attention
to display
table 10, plug (not shown) of light fixtures 92 and 94 is plugged into an
electrical socket,
and light fixtures 92 and 94 are powered on. Consequently, light fixtures 92
and 94 emit
light illuminating upper section 18 and translucent sidewalls 111, 113, 115,
and 117 through
the open bottom of upper section 18.
[00641 Over time, light fixtures 92 and 94 may need maintenance. In this
regard, with
reference to Figure 17, a user grips drawer pull 69 to slide main drawer 46
forward into an
open position. If main drawer 46 is locked, pulling main drawer 46 to the open
position also
causes internal light drawer 48 to slide forward to an open position as well.
[00651 Product 12 and/or supplies for maintaining light fixtures 92 and 94 may
be
disposed in main drawer 46, and thus, the user may need to access main drawer
46. To open
a locked main drawer 46, the user inserts a key into keyhole 71 to unlock
locking
mechanism 77. If main drawer 46 is in the closed position, the user grips
drawer pull 69 to
CA 02770542 2012-03-06
UTILITY PATENT APPLICATION
Attorney Docket No. 201102523 (101.0437.00 1)
slide main drawer 46 forward and internal light drawer 48 remains at least
partially in
drawer compartment 44. If main drawer 46 is in an open position, the user
slides internal
light drawer 48 backwards to a partially open (as shown in Figures 17) or
closed position (as
shown in Figure 18) to expose storage area 63 of main drawer 46. If main
drawer 46 is not
locked, the user simply slides internal light drawer 48 relative to main
drawer 46 to expose
storage area 63 of main drawer 46.
[00661 A lighted retail display has now been provided with a light access
drawer that is
hidden from view and easy to access during maintenance periods. By positioning
the light
access drawer over the main drawer, allowing the two drawers to be movable
relative to
each other, and including a locking mechanism between the two drawers, light
fixtures
within the light access drawer can be replaced and/or repaired while the
storage area of the
main drawer remains inaccessible.
[00671 Although the invention has been described with respect to particular
embodiments,
such embodiments are meant for illustrative purposes only and should not be
considered to
limit the invention. Various alternatives and changes will be apparent to
those of ordinary
skill in the art. Other modifications within the scope of the invention and
its various
embodiments will be apparent to those of ordinary skill.
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